Let cautious hope guide your vote

In its recent endorsement of Barack Obama for president, the Washington Post stated: “Yes, we have reservations and concerns … But we also have enormous hopes.” I think this summarizes the sentiment of a nation because indeed what Barack Obama represents to America, and her people, is hope.

Yet this hope is a cautious hope. Indeed, after eight years of dismal — even abysmal — leadership, Americans are rightfully cautious. I would encourage, though, that we do not become cautious to such an extent as to sentence ourselves to four more years of the same irresponsible policies, economic and otherwise. Caution that safeguards action is wise but caution that prevents needed action is foolhardy. Therefore, I would encourage you to vote for Barack Obama; I would encourage you to be courageous and to vote for change.

In the long course of his campaign John McCain has shown himself as being unable to provide either change or integrity to the American people. I, for one, think it better to take a risk on hope than to stick with what I am used to out of fear.

Mike Nowak

Everett